Back to work: Pittsburgh trying to keep season in perspective after knocking off Notre Dame

Pittsburgh head coach Paul Chryst points to his defense at the start of the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh won 28-21.(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) (The Associated Press)

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Pittsburgh running back James Conner (40) is lifted into the air by offensive linesman Ryan Schlieper (76) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh won 28-21.(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) (The Associated Press)

Chryst jokes he didn't see anyone skipping in the halls after Pitt rallied to knock off the Fighting Irish 28-21 in what was probably the coach's biggest win since taking over at Pitt nearly two years ago.

The victory bolstered Pitt's hopes for bowl eligibility. Chryst adds that the way his team didn't fold despite trailing for most of the first three quarters should give the Panthers (5-4, 2-3 ACC) confidence heading into this weekend's game against streaking North Carolina (4-5, 3-3).

Pitt struggled with success last year. The Panthers stunned then 13th-ranked Virginia Tech in the third week of the season but didn't beat another FBS school for a month.